Driveshaft won't extend

[Kevin E]

So I'm replacing springs and shocks and two new control arms on front axle. Removed front driveshat off the front diff and it will not extend back into the u joint. It's stuck bad. Is this a common problem?

 

[Kid Mechanic]

If you had a Woody it would extend better into the diff.

 

[Jerry Bransford]

Yes, the grease on the splined slip-joint surfaces has just gotten stiff/hard/old. Pull it apart after marking the two halves so they go back together exactly as they were originally. Clean the old grease off with something like brake cleaner, then apply a thin coating of general purpose grease and you'll be fine. No need for anything fancy or labeled "high speed" for the driveshaft splines.

 

[Kevin E]

Thanks Jerry, mission accomplished with the help of a ratchet strap

Yes, the grease on the splined slip-joint surfaces has just gotten stiff/hard/old. Pull it apart after marking the two halves so they go back together exactly as they were originally. Clean the old grease off with something like brake cleaner, then apply a thin coating of general purpose grease and you'll be fine. No need for anything fancy or labeled "high speed" for the driveshaft splines